PHOTOGRAPHY TIPS AND SUGGESTIONS

It’s the smaller details that can have a big impact on how your day is remembered.

your day

YOUR WAY

01.
BE COMPLETELY AT EASE

The best way to get truly natural, relaxed images is to feel completely comfortable with your photographer—so comfortable that you can almost forget they’re there.

Your photographer will be by your side for most of your wedding day, capturing everything from the quiet, intimate moments to the big celebrations. That’s why the connection matters so much: when you genuinely click and get along, the photos reflect real emotion and authenticity, not stiffness or performance.

When you’re deciding who to book, look beyond the portfolio. Seek out testimonials from past brides and grooms—especially those that mention how the photographer made them feel: relaxed, at ease, supported, and able to be themselves. 

A quick chat or engagement session can help confirm that vibe before you commit. Trust your instinct – if they feel like a friend rather than “just the photographer,” you’re on the right track.

Your wedding photos should feel like you. Choose someone who helps make that happen.

02.
ENGAGEMENT SHOOTS

Engagement sessions are absolutely worth every single second.

Every couple is wonderfully, uniquely different—your connection, your quirks, the way you make each other laugh or steal glances is yours alone.

Spending that time together before the wedding lets me truly get to know you both: how you interact naturally, what makes you light up, and the little gestures that feel most authentic to your relationship.

That insight makes all the difference on your wedding day. I can guide you subtly (or step back completely) so the photos feel effortless and real—no awkward directing, no forced poses, just genuine moments captured beautifully.

It’s like a low-pressure rehearsal: you get comfortable in front of the camera, we build real rapport, and by the time your big day arrives, you’re relaxed, confident, and ready to just be yourselves.

The result? Wedding images that truly reflect your love story—natural, heartfelt, and timeless.

Don’t skip this step—it’s one of the best investments you can make for photos you’ll cherish forever.

LOCATION SHOOTS

SOMEWHERE PRETTY

SOMEWHERE PERSONAL

“But I feel really awkward having my photograph taken” he says.

Well then…  surely it’s better to have a  practice.  Trust me, you’ll love it xx

03.
UNPLUG

Consider an unplugged ceremony – requesting that your guests put down their phones and gadgets during your service and fully immerse themselves in the moment.

Pinterest has some really great suggestions and ideas for artisitic and polite ways to suggest this to your guests.

04.
YOUR INBETWEEN MOMENTS

The bits that make you you..  These are always our favourite images.

Let us in, don’t hold back, be open to sharing your quirkyness, your from-the-belly laugh, your tears, your love, your you.

Try not to focus on having your photograph taken, just relax and live the moment.

YOUR COUPLES SHOOT

Some private time to get some intimate images of the pair of you at the very start of your married life together.

This usually takes about twenty minutes, if you would like these images make sure you factor these timings into your day.

YOUR COUPLES SHOOT

Some private time to get some intimate images of the pair of you at the very start of your married life together.

This usually takes about twenty minutes, if you would like these images make sure you factor these timings into your day.

YOUR COUPLES SHOOT

Some private time to get some intimate images of the pair of you at the very start of your married life together.

This usually takes about twenty minutes, if you would like these images make sure you factor these timings into your day.

06.
HIGHLIGHT YOUR KEY GUESTS

No photographer is pyschic – make sure you communicate with them the absolute key guests of your day.

We aim to capture as many candid and natural shots of your guests as possible, but it always helps to know if you have a best friend travelling from overseas or a distant relative who holds a special place in your heart.

Talk to us, tell us!

07.
LIGHT SPACE AND TIME
The word ‘photograph’ translated means ‘drawing with light’.  Light is everything when it comes to photography.

If you are having  winter wedding consider creative options for getting more light into you day.  For example sparkler exits can be a fun alternative to the traditional confetti shots.

Talk to your photographer about your venue options and key events.  If there is going to be a glorious sunset then try to factor that into your timings.

A photographer confident with flash is vital for venues with limited natural light, so always make sure you ask to see such images in a portfolio

08.
FORMALS

Although the vast majority of our images are candid and natural, formal and groups shots play a part in most weddings.  Seeing four (sometimes five) generations of a family in one place is special and worth capturing.

Our top tips for this is don’t over do it.  Try to limit the number of large groups to under five, ten at the most.  Our second top tip is try to consider the expectations of wider family members who may have their own ideas.  Good communications will prevent any possible disappointment or missed opportunities.

09.
WITH JUST A PINCH OF CRAZY

We challenge anyone at a reception not to love the booth! 

Let your guests go a little crazy and keep a momento of your day. 

Sleek and stylish by design and fully interactive. 

Your guests can even leave short video messages for you both to enjoy after the main event!

The images from the photobooth can be a creative way to present your guest book.

 

10.
ENJOY THE PARTY

The party never finishes with the first dance!

If, like us, you like to party make sure you hire a photographer who is willing to stay that extra mile and capture the dance floor antics long after the first dance.

get in touch

We would love to hear more about you both and what you have planned for your day.

Give us a call

07714103880

or  head over to our contact page and to check our availability and get an immediate download of our pricing brochure

Simply Beautiful xx

SIMPLY

BEAUTIFUL

PHOTO

&

FILM

Established in 2018, Simply Beautiful Photo and Film specialises in relaxed documentary wedding photography and videography.

Based in the North West, we've captured over 250 weddings across the whole of the UK — from Scotland to the South East — creating natural, story-driven photos and films for couples who want authentic, beautiful coverage of their day.